Former school board members urges yes vote on bond measure

As a former school-board member and a participant on the school district's Citizens’ Task Force, I am urging our community to vote "yes" on the upcoming Salem-Keizer bond measure in May.

This is not a “wish list,” but a sincerely thought-out effort to deal with classroom crowding, safety, and state mandates increasing career-tech opportunities and science requirements. We know that these kinds of classes increase hands-on learning that engage students, increase graduation rates, and prepare our students for the jobs of the future.

Seismic upgrades and redesigned access points to schools will make them safer. Investing in schools is an excellent investment in our community. Bond measures boost local employment rates and dollars spent return to our communities in construction salaries, food purchases, and building supplies.

Strong schools help maintain property values. The bond is a win-win for our children, our teachers, for property owners, and for businesses.

Join me in voting "yes" on the bond and returning our ballots by May 15.